Indian Summer Salvation: This, Too, Shall Pass
According to an ancient Sufi story, written in Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth, there lived a despondent king in an ancient middle eastern land and time. The King was distraught by his constant ebb and flow from happiness to being miserable. The king, sick of this way of living, sought out an “enlightened one”. He made the arduous journey to the mountains and eagerly asked the “enlightened one” for counsel, “I want to be like you. Can you give me something that will bring balance, serenity and wisdom into my life? I will pay any price you ask.”
In return, the “enlightened one” promised the king something priceless. He offered him a jade box with a ring inside. The ring was inscribed, This, too, shall pass.
The king was furious and felt duped. The “enlightened one” reassured him that whenever he was encountering anything, “good” or “bad”, the ring’s inscription would bring him peace.
The time upon us, Indian summer, embodies a rhythm of transition. Life during this time is very much the same….a time of flux. Couple this with all of the planetary and energetic changes occurring in this universe at present, it can be daunting and leave you feeling you off kilter. We are literally shifting from two seasons, the summer and fall. This means a changeover from hot weather to cooler weather, different organs becoming vulnerable, and the transitioning out of summer clothes to fall clothes. Often times, we feel uneasy about this…am I ready to give up my strappy flowy sundresses, or am I overzealous in putting on my knee-high brown leather boots? Am I excited to see the leaves change, or burdened by the raking and burning of the them? Am I ready for fires in the fireplace, or am I bummed at the waning of the natural fiery sun.
Being a teacher for 6 years full time prior to this work, September was a mix of emotions. I couldn’t wait to see my little critter students and to be productive and to make a difference. At the same time, my lazy summer days of sleeping in, doing yoga, and sitting by the Hudson were over. However, transition and change are inevitable. It is a guarantee in this life. The planets are in constant movement, energy levels fluctuate, people come and go (especially in NYC), and seasons change. Where “dis-ease” comes in, is when we resist these changes.and try to hold on too tightly. Nature is always experiencing abundance and creativity because they do not resist these changes. Whenever I start to feel anxiety coming forth of impending cold weather, and the impending doom, I turn to nature as my teacher. I notice that the plants, animals, rocks and even most babies (suggesting this resistance is a learned behaviour!) offer no complaint to the seasonal changes, and as a result, they flourish year after year. They simply “go with the flow” through life’s seasons, and embrace fully the present moment.
I challenge you to do the same this Indian summer. Bring your awareness to something you may be resisting at this time
Personal example: I am a girl who loves to bask in the sun and ride my bike everywhere. Even the thought of buying an unlimited Metro Card and putting my bike to rest, makes me uneasy.
Tell yourself: It is a time of surrender. I feel safe, secure and supported. This is not permanent.
take on the “enlightened one’s” frame of mine of This, too, shall pass. I heart NYC transit! ( A little “fake it til you make it” cant hurt either!)
Here is some additional support that I am sure the Sufis wont object to so that we can feel anchored during this season, or during any times of flux.
1) Meditate and see yourself as a beautiful majestic tree of your choice, whose roots (feet and/or tailbone) are deep into mother earth’s core. Feel wind come up against you, but that it (trouble in life) is no match for you. Chant the mantra: I am deeply supported by mother earth and the universe
2) You are what you eat…so, what is healthy and deeply rooted? Root vegetables! Those Red and orange in color will help you to feel even more grounded: ie potatoes, yams, carrots, dark onions, etc. Repeat Mantra from above
3) Hold a crystal in your hand as you meditate. Ask the crystal to help guide you in these moments of metamorphosis. Some good ones for this are Wulfenite (think of “wolf-at-nite” transitioning through his stages relative to the moon) and Lepidolite, named the “stone of transition” due to its healing properties for those going through life changes.
4) Use Flower Remedies. Walnut flower essence is perfect for helping you in periods of time of uncertainty and evolution. Simply take a couple drops under your tongue a few times a day, or place them on pulse points, acupuncture points, or chakras (root in this case). Repeat Mantra from above
5) Come receive some beautiful energy healing to ground, renew, and offer new direction. Refer to my blog regularly for group and individual healing, and check out my Indian Summer energy series (http://blog.sproutinglove.com/)
Now, start these tips today, because next week, a new article will boot mine out, as This, too, shall pass.
